I've written about this before, and I'm sure I will a few more times. It is a very common occurrene to find a single Mail Order Design pattern represented by different numbers and different brand names. As in this example . . .

Mail Order Design, Same Pattern, Different Numbers

This pattern, a delightful 'Prancing Horses' motif in filet has been marketed (at least) 4 times. Two times by Laura Wheeler, and once each by Alice Brooks and The American Weekly.

Why does this occur?

Well, all three brand names belong to one company - Needlecraft Services / Readers Mail. Each brand name offered their branded patterns only to a certain newspaper syndicate. It would start with one release, and if the pattern proved popular, it would then, at some point, also be released under the other two brands.

In this example, 'prancing horses in filet', the pattern was first introduced by Laura Wheeler in 1939, and then by Alice Brooks and The American Weekly, a couple months apart in 1948, and then one more time by Laura Wheeler in 1957. (There might be more occurrences that I've not yet discovered).

As a general rule, the newspaper advertisement pictured matched up with the printed patterns. Note: The American Weekly advertised just once weekly, with multipe patterns at a time, whereas Laura Wheeler and Alice Brooks advertised individual patterns.

I've been asked, if an individual pattern has multipe names/brands, do I list them all. And, the answer is Yes; I do. Why? Well a person may be looking for a specific pattern number. Or may have a copy of an old advertisement from Mom's stuff, and searching. There are many reasons.

These four patterns are listed in the shop, should you be interested. Just search on the 3 or 4 digit pattern number.

Thanks for dropping by.

Oct 21st 2024 Lorrie @ Vintage Knit Crochet Pattern Shop